The only thing that holds this collection down at all is the fact that you're listening to it at home, and, no matter how good your audio setup, it will never come close to the band's famously loud and beautiful live sets. And, at that, this comes close.

If you have everything by the Scottish gang of five, this is good excuse to remind yourself of their genius in different circumstances. If you are new to them, then it is a fine introduction to a band whose importance and integrity over the years is unquestionable.

An album of tracks recorded live for various Peel Sessions on BBC Radio, Government Commissions (the album name presumably relates to the BBC An album of tracks recorded live for various Peel Sessions on BBC Radio, Government Commissions (the album name presumably relates to the BBC being a statutorily regulated body) captures the intense beauty of Magwai as a live act, but not their ferocity, you'd have to see the live for that. Having said that, this is a damn good album, especially the epic version of Like Herod which is musical abstract expressionism taken to the extreme - dark and long, paint it black.…Collapse

Not a greatest hits collection as it misses out most of their greatest hits. However the version of "like herod" is the only song that's Not a greatest hits collection as it misses out most of their greatest hits. However the version of "like herod" is the only song that's ever scared me and the overall quality here is fantastic. Helicon 1 is a truly great tune.…Expand

The version of 'Like Herod' that is included on this CD is amoungst the greatest things ever recorded. Simply awesome. It also has The version of 'Like Herod' that is included on this CD is amoungst the greatest things ever recorded. Simply awesome. It also has the voice of the late great John Peel on it. What more could you possible want?…Expand

Like a snapshot of a live show where the tracks segue nicely into each other, no tiring crescendo keeping coming back, but a smooth valley Like a snapshot of a live show where the tracks segue nicely into each other, no tiring crescendo keeping coming back, but a smooth valley and a couple of peaks but what comfort and what a rush!…Expand